Accessibility

RECHARGE Scheme

An increasing number of people with restricted mobility find that an electric mobility scooter or wheelchair is a valuable means of transportation. However, steep footpaths, environmental conditions and the age of a battery can make it difficult to calculate travel distances and many people fear getting stranded by a flat battery, preventing them from leaving the house. The RECHARGE SchemeTM offers them peace of mind and confidence to get out and about.

The RECHARGE SchemeTM helps to create a more accessible inclusive and welcoming experience for people who use an electric mobility scooter or wheelchair when they are out and about. This includes designated areas for people to recharge their electric mobility device’s battery.

In the Alpine Shire we currently have five RECHARGE points:

> outside the Bright Visitor Information Centre;> inside the Bright Sports Centre;> outside the Mount Beauty Library;> on the deck at the Rose Garden Café in Mount Beauty;> and on the deck at the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre.

We're always looking for businesses, particularly cafes where it's pleasant to sit and wait while a battery charges, to consider allocating an accessible power point at their business for people to recharge their electric mobility device. These are standard power points with sufficient space around them for a mobility device to stand. To get involved, please contact Council’s Access Officer at jennyc@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

Find more about the scheme and locate RECHARGE points around the State online:

All-Terrain Wheelchair

Through a partnership between Alpine Shire and Parks Victoria, an All-Terrain Wheelchair is now available to help residents and visitors of all ages to access many of the magnificent landscapes throughout the Shire.

The All-Terrain Wheelchair can be easily assembled and will fit into the back of a station wagon, all-wheel drive or large sedan, and with the help of operators, you can experience local parks, tracks and trails like never before.

The All-Terrain Wheelchair can be borrowed from the Visitor Information Centre in Mount Beauty. Bookings are recommended and there is no cost involved. Helmets must be worn with the chair, and it is recommended that you bring your own helmet however there are some available for loan.

Bright Sports Centre Pool Hoist

The Bright Sports Centre is able to cater for the needs of people with a disability through the provision of a hoist which will enable them to access the only year-round heated swimming pool in the Alpine Shire.

NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is called the NDIS. The NDIS is a new way to help people under 65 with disability get care and supports. The NDIS also helps families and carers with information about services to support people with disability.

Disabled Persons Parking Scheme

Local Council's administer this scheme in Victoria. There are two categories for different levels of disability:

Category 1: Blue & White label - is entitled to park a vehicle in a bay reserved for disabled motorists only and in an ordinary parking bay for twice the indicated time.

Category 2: Green & White label - may park a vehicle in an ordinary parking area for twice the specific time and is not entitled to park in the reserved bay for a disabled motorist.

Permits have an expiry date it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that their permit is current.

You must be a resident of Alpine Shire to apply for a disabled persons’ parking permit in Alpine Shire. To apply for a permit you will need to complete the application form below prior to taking it to your doctor. The permit is valid throughout Australia however you must adhere to the regulations of the municipality you are visiting.The fine for non-compliance in the Alpine Shire is $159.

Useful websites for people with a disability

> Alpine Health provides integrated Acute Health, Community Health and Community and Aged Residential Services for residents and visitors of the Alpine Shire> Department of Education provides services for parents of children with a disability, including support programs, assessments and special schools which are designed to help children with a disability access quality education that meets their needs> NICAN provides information on sport, recreation, arts and tourism> Vision Australia Supports people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose> Amaze is the peak body for people on the autism spectrum and their supporters in Victoria> Deaf Victoria aims to inform members of the Deaf Community and to the wider community on a range of information or isssues relating to deafness to raise awareness and to gain an appreciation of deafness> Association for Children with a Disability ACD can assist parents to make the most of available services and supports